Europe Sees Rise in COVID-19 Cases... WHO Warns of Imminent Pandemic

"Vaccines Effective Against Delta Variant"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated signs of a pandemic in Europe, where the Delta variant is rapidly spreading.

Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said at a press conference on the 1st (local time), "After 10 weeks of declining cases, the number of confirmed cases increased again last week," according to CNBC and others.

Kluge predicted that the Delta variant would become the dominant strain by August. He stated, "The Delta variant is rapidly overtaking the UK-originated Alpha variant," and added, "Three conditions are met for an increase in hospitalizations and deaths from the new variant before this fall." The three conditions are a new variant, vaccine shortages, and increased social activity.

When asked whether the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship (Euro 2020), held across various European countries, could act as a 'super-spreader' event, he replied, "We hope not, but it cannot be ruled out," and emphasized, "Monitoring should be strengthened, including when spectators arrive at and leave the stadium."

WHO expressed concern that the EU's vaccination rate is not keeping pace with the spread of the variant. Kluge said, "With 63% of the population still waiting for their first dose, and restrictions easing one after another starting next month," he stressed, "Even in places without regulations, adhering well to preventive measures is necessary to prevent a new outbreak."

He also urged vaccination, stating, "Two doses of the vaccine are effective against the Delta variant." Kluge said, "It is necessary to receive two doses, not just one," and warned, "Delays in vaccination will sacrifice lives and the economy, delay herd immunity, and lead to more variants."

Regarding the regional average vaccination rate of only 24%, he warned, "This is far from the recommendation of vaccinating 80% of the adult population," and cautioned, "At this rate, the end of the pandemic is far off."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.